If you’re friend does not call in sick, but instead calls the CPO for advice, he will likely be given PDs/APD for the time missed. He will not be paid.

If he is too distracted to fly, he should call in sick and let the CPO call him to figure out what’s going on. Don’t call the CPO. Also call the ALPA Pilot Support Network (or similar name). There are pilot volunteers who are highly competent to give your friend advice.

First step, call in sick, take a deep breath, and take a couple days at home to assess where you’re going. He shouldn’t fly in this state.

I wish someone would have laid this out for me. It all worked out for the best in my family, though I’m 1/2 month’s pay poorer for the lesson.

Edit - my post refers to short-term stabilization of the situation. Use your sick leave. Long-term, I would expect you’d need to engage the CPO.